2/2 C.A.R.E. - Summer Meal Service Program Newsletter

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 02/02/2026 04:07 PM PST

Summer Food Service Program C.A.R.E.: Week of 2/2

Update: Revised Product Formulation Statement (PFS) Templates and Samples
Update: Updated Rural Designation Map for SFSP/SSO Operators
Update: 2025–26 Washington Public School Data for Area Eligibility Report
Important Dates to Remember

Update: Revised Product Formulation Statement (PFS) Templates and Samples

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently revised the Product Formulation Statement (PFS) templates and samples, which are available for food industry partners to demonstrate how a food product may contribute to the meal pattern requirements in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). A PFS may be voluntarily provided by manufacturers at the request of program operators, but it is not reviewed or approved by USDA.

The revised PFS templates and samples provide additional instructions for manufacturers and update terminology to align with current CNP guidance.

PFS Templates and Samples

Meats/Meat Alternates (M/MA)
- Template
- Sample with Meats and Alternate Protein Product
Vegetables and Fruits
- Template for School Meals(vegetables with subgroups)
- Sample for School Meals(vegetables with subgroups)
- Template for CACFP and SFSP
Grains
- Template for School Meals and CACFP(ounce equivalents)
- Sample for School Meals and CACFP(ounce equivalents)
- Template for SFSP(grains/breads servings)
- Sample for SFSP(grains/breads servings)
Multiple Component Foods
- Sample with grains, M/MA(breakfast sandwich)
- Sample with M/MA, vegetable subgroups (beans, peas, lentils as vegetable) (chili)
- Sample with M/MA, vegetable subgroups (beans, peas, lentils as M/MA) (chili)
- Sample with M/MA, fruit(smoothie)

Program Operators

The Tips for Evaluating a Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement webpage was updated to assist CNP operators with evaluating a manufacturer’s PFS. Program operators are encouraged to review information about manufacturer documentation, including Child Nutrition (CN) labels on the USDA’s website.

Questions? Email summermeals@k12.wa.us.

Training Opportunities

Community-based Summer Kickoff Webinar

Date: February 26

Time: 2-3 pm

Register here

Summer Summit - Tacoma

Date: March 10

Time: 8 am - 5 pm

Register here

Summer Summit Kennewick

Date: March 17

Time: 8 am - 5 pm

Register here

Update: Updated Rural Designation Map for SFSP/SSO Operators

USDA updated the Rural Designation Map for summer meal programs. This change ensures that state agencies and sponsors have the latest data to determine if their anticipated summer site(s) qualifies as rural for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO).

Why does this matter?

Updated Data: This reflects updated data used to determine rural designations.
Better Planning: Sponsors can now confidently identify rural sites for summer meals.

See policy memo SFSP 04-2024, SP 06-2024 for additional information.

Questions? Email summermeals@k12.wa.us.

Update: 2025–26 Washington Public School Data for Area Eligibility Report

The 2025–26 Area Eligibility Report is now available. This report has been updated as of January 30, 2026.

This report may be used to establish area eligibility for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and the Afterschool Snack Program (ASP). Area eligibility may be assigned if school data indicates that the proposed meal site is located in an attendance area of a public school where at least 50% of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

The Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Program Reference Sheet provides more details on area eligibility.

Data from this report is also used to determine eligibility for the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP), House Bill (HB) 1238 – Meals for Washington Students, and Breakfast After the Bell (BAB).

Questions? Contact your Summer Meals Program Specialist or email summermeals@k12.wa.us.

Important Dates to Remember

February 26	FY26 SFSP/SSO Kickoff Webinar (All Sponsors Except SFAs)
March 1	FY26 SFSP Application Opens
March 5	SFSP/SSO Kickoff \| School Meals Monthly Webinar (SFAs only)
March 10	Summer Summit \| Tacoma
March 17	Summer Summit \| Kennewick
2026 SFSP Applications Due: Tiered Deadlines
April 15	New Sponsors/Sponsors with Operational Problems
May 1	Returning Sponsors new to Rural Non-Congregate
May 15	Returning Sponsors with first date of operations between June 1-15
June 1	Returning Sponsors with first date of operations after June 15

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

ADA NOTIFICATION FOR OSPI CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES EVENTS
To arrange accommodations for persons with disabilities for OSPI Child Nutrition Services events, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Team at 360-725-6200, TTY 360-664-3631, or by email, child.nutrition@k12.wa.us at least three business days before the event. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require OSPI to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

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